Exploring Agata Forest

Agata Forest

After taking in the bleak state of Agata Forest, run down the hill and look for a very slim path that runs along the water below, following the northern shore. Follow this path along the beach and behind a waterfall where you'll find a hidden tunnel that leads to a Guardian Sapling.

Use Bloom to revive the Guardian Sapling, restoring life to the forest and dispelling the cursed zone. When you've got control of Amaterasu again, headbutt the chest in front of the enlivened Guardian Sapling to find the Devout Beads, a divine instrument that gives you new attack powers.

As you leave the Guardian Sapling's cave, you'll be introduced to Waka, boy wonder. Even though Waka's mostly a good guy, you'll have to face off against him in what will be the toughest battle you've yet fought.

The easiest way to fight with Waka is to use your new Devout Beads as a projectile weapon (and stay out of the water). Keep your distance from Waka and fire away. When Waka pulls back to fire a projectile attack of his own, jump over it and nail Waka with a mid-air combo.

If you're lucky, your melee combo will knock Waka on his back, temporarily turning him gray. While Waka's discolored, use the Power Slash brush technique to strike him and deal a nice chunk of damage. Repeat this pattern until Waka gives in.

You're now free to explore the Agata Forest and partake in any and all sidequest available. When you're ready to revive the main quest, look for the boy Kokari who's waiting on a small island in the middle of the forest.

Talk to Kokari a few times until he starts repeating himself, then give him a good headbutt to get him in the mood to fish. Draw a line from a fish to the end of Kokari's reel to begin the fishing mini-game. Pull the line opposite the direction the fish is swimming to pull it in, then be ready to use a Power Slash brush stroke to finish off the fish.

After catching two fish, only one large fish will remain. Catch this giant salmon and it'll spit up the Ruins Key. Bring the Ruins Key to the entrance of the Tsuta Ruins at the south end of the forest and continue on to the next area.